More About Radical - Pre-Review II

I shared with you that I'm reading a book for review next week - but have already been so convicted & encouraged by it that I already gave a sneak peek.

Radical by David Platt


Last night I read a little more- and again, MORE biblical insights that I had never really thought about in my American-dream, American-church culture!  For example, have you ever found yourself telling someone, "I'm just not called ..." when talking about foreign missions?  Ok, I have even if you haven't!!  ;)  Well...David Platt blows this theory that sounds so "spiritual" all to shreds.  I mean, sure, we haven't ALL been called to work in foreign missions, of course, or there wouldn't be anyone left to support missions back here in the States - BUT Pastor Platt poses the questions why we "...insist on dividing the Great Commission into an either-or-proposition?"  Why do we seem to think we can have a heart for America OR we have a heart for the world??  Shouldn't every Christian have a heart for BOTH! 

And honestly, when we say we have a "heart for America", what are we REALLY doing for those right here around us who are in poverty, who don't know Jesus, who are unchurched?  It challenged me to think what can I do to impact my surroundings?  I mean, sure, I do quite a bit with my church - but that's easy.  I am raising my children to serve the Lord (hopefully!) with all their hearts - but again, that's my comfort zone.  When was the last time I touched lives with someone who is not in my church or in my family?  Scary prospect to me - but does the Great Commission exclude stay-at-home-moms?  I don't think I have to give all my left-over money to missions - but I think I need to think MORE about others - doing things that I am able - that may take more of my time or effort - like writing a letter to a missionary family or speaking to my neighbor even though I'm really such a shy, home-body!  

Anyway...maybe I'm not resonating with you? 
You can read the first chapter of Radical for yourself by accessing this link. 

Random House apparently believes in this book because today I got an email that they want to make sure the message gets out to as many people as possible. (I'll be honest that my skeptical side also says they want to make sure they SELL as many copies of the book as possible because they want to make their profit! but I do think there is somewhat of a sincere hope that they want to promote godly messages). SO, Waterbrook/Multnomah/Random House is offering a FREE copy of the little workbook that comes with Radical - you can request yours here.


I'm definitely not one who hops on the proverbial bandwagon of each modern "Christiany" trend that comes along ... Haven't there been SO MANY in our lifetime?  Like remember the whole "Prayer of Jabez" craze back in the early 2000s?  Or the "WWJD?" thing!  There's been lots more like the whole "Fireproof" marriage revolution.  I honestly liked the movie "Fireproof" a lot ... and I'm sure there are good things about some of the other trends that go through the Christian circles.  And yes, I'm thankful there are writers and people out there trying to further the message of the Gospel & of improving marriage & parenting ... BUT I think we need to be discerning too.  For me, RADICAL seems biblically based, but I think I'll run some of my thoughts by my husband too - maybe even my pastor.  I don't want to get swept away by "every wind of doctrine" that comes through (Eph 4:14).    So, if your interest is peaked, make sure you check it out for yourself, double-check it with your own Bible, & pray about it!  That's what I'm doing ... and so far, I'm finding the message of the book DOES resonate with the Bible.